Achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. Agriculture is the biggest user of water worldwide, and irrigation now claims close to 70 percent of all freshwater for human use.

The efficient management of our shared natural resources, and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants, are important targets to achieve this goal. Encouraging industries, businesses and consumers to recycle and reduce waste is equally important, as is supporting developing countries to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption by 2030.

A large share of the world population is still consuming far too little to meet even their basic needs. Halving the per capita of global food waste at the retailer and consumer levels is also important for creating more efficient production and supply chains. This can help with food security, and shift us towards a more resource efficient economy.

India is the second-largest producer of fish in the world and is putting a demand on fish supplies that is 2-3 times greater than the oceans can support over time. At this rate, fish catch in tropical areas is expected to decline 40 percent by 2050. MORE >

With support from UNDP, Costa Rica has introduced an action plan that fosters partnerships to promote production and trade that is responsible, fair, and in line with practices protecting the environment, the community and the general public. MORE >

The scent of the Celebes pepper hits you before you even reach Ogenetan in the heart of Papua’s Boven Digoel district. Called sereh merah, the plant is used by communities across Papua to drive away evil spirits. MORE >